Irish firms hit takeover trail in 2004

MERGERS and acquisition deals involving Irish companies soared in 2004 to €10.4 billion, up 33%.

Statistics compiled by corporate finance specialists, Ion Equity show that while the value of deals rose substantially in 2004, the actual number of deals was down from 252 in 2003 to 190 in 2004, a decrease of 25%.

“The average deal size increased from €31 million to €50 million in 2004 and the fourth quarter was the most active period of the year.